logo
FortBendRecords.us
Search Public Records
Fort Bend Public Records /Fort Bend County Inmate Search

Fort Bend County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Fort Bend County?

Inmate records in Fort Bend County are official government documents maintained by the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's detention facilities. These records are created pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, which establishes the public's right to access government records, and Texas Local Government Code § 351.041, which outlines the sheriff's responsibility for maintaining jail records.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:

  • Court records document judicial proceedings, hearings, and case dispositions
  • Jail records document the physical custody and supervision of inmates
  • Court records are maintained by the Fort Bend County District Clerk or County Clerk
  • Jail records are maintained by the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Detention Division

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process when an individual is first admitted to a Fort Bend County detention facility. The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Detention Division is responsible for initiating and maintaining these records through their Inmate Processing Unit (IPU). Records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information. Upon release, records are finalized but maintained according to Texas records retention schedules.

Are Inmate Records Public In Fort Bend County?

Yes, inmate records in Fort Bend County are generally considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This law establishes the presumption that government records, including most inmate records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

According to Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." However, certain portions of inmate records may be redacted or withheld based on privacy concerns, security considerations, or other statutory exemptions.

The following inmate information is typically available to the public in Fort Bend County:

  • Current inmate roster and custody status
  • Basic booking information and intake date
  • Criminal charges filed
  • Mugshots (booking photographs)
  • Bond/bail amounts
  • Court dates and appearances
  • Expected release dates
  • Current housing facility

It is important to note that while these records are public, access methods and specific information availability may vary based on current administrative procedures and applicable exemptions under Texas law.

What's Included Inmate Records in Fort Bend County

Inmate records in Fort Bend County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:

Basic Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and any known aliases
  • Date of birth and age
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Assigned inmate identification number
  • Fingerprints and biometric data

Custody Information:

  • Date and time of booking/intake
  • Arresting agency and officer information
  • Current custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
  • Housing assignment within the facility
  • Classification level and special housing needs
  • Disciplinary records during incarceration
  • Visitation logs and approved visitor list

Charge Information:

  • Current charges with statute citations
  • Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
  • Prior booking history within Fort Bend County
  • Holds or detainers from other jurisdictions

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond type (personal, surety, cash)
  • Bond amount set by court
  • Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
  • Bonding company information if applicable
  • Bond conditions imposed by court

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction (district, county, municipal)
  • Case number(s) assigned by court
  • Scheduled court appearances and dates
  • Court disposition information
  • Attorney of record information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

  • Sentence length and terms
  • Sentence start date
  • Projected release date
  • Good time/work time credit calculations
  • Probation or parole eligibility dates
  • Special conditions of sentence

Release Information:

  • Scheduled or actual release date
  • Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
  • Post-release supervision requirements
  • Release conditions or restrictions
  • Agency assuming custody if transferred

Fort Bend County Prison System

The Fort Bend County correctional system operates under the authority of the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the detention and care of individuals in custody. The county operates local detention facilities primarily designed for pre-trial detention and for housing individuals serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor convictions.

It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system:

  • County jails house pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences
  • State prisons (operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice) house individuals convicted of felonies serving longer sentences
  • County facilities are operated by the Sheriff's Office
  • State facilities are operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice

The Fort Bend County jail system is administered by the Sheriff's Office Detention Division, which oversees all aspects of inmate custody, care, and records management.

Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office
1840 Richmond Parkway
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4700
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations:

Fort Bend County Detention Facility (Main Jail)
1410 Ransom Road
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4665
Fort Bend County Detention Division

This is the primary detention facility in Fort Bend County, housing both male and female inmates. The facility accommodates pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving misdemeanor sentences. The main jail includes various housing units with different security classifications.

Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center
122 Golfview Drive
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 633-7300
Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation

This facility houses juvenile offenders under the age of 17 who are awaiting court proceedings or serving short-term detention sentences. The juvenile facility operates separately from adult facilities and provides educational and rehabilitative programming specific to youth.

Fort Bend County Mental Health Unit
1410 Ransom Road
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4665
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Mental Health Unit

This specialized housing unit within the main detention facility provides services for inmates with mental health needs. The unit offers enhanced supervision and therapeutic services for those requiring mental health support during incarceration.

Who's in Prison In Fort Bend County

The Fort Bend County detention facilities house several categories of individuals:

Pre-trial Detainees:

  • Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
  • Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
  • Persons awaiting trial, court hearings, or case disposition
  • Individuals held on out-of-county warrants awaiting transfer

Sentenced Inmates:

  • Persons convicted of Class A or B misdemeanors serving sentences up to one year
  • Individuals serving time for probation violations
  • Those serving short sentences for contempt of court
  • Weekenders serving intermittent sentences (reporting on weekends only)

Special Populations:

  • Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony conviction
  • Federal detainees housed under intergovernmental agreements
  • Immigration detainees held under contract with federal authorities
  • Individuals with specialized medical or mental health needs

Temporary Holds:

  • Persons detained temporarily during court proceedings
  • Individuals in transit between facilities
  • Those held pending extradition to other jurisdictions
  • Probation/parole violators awaiting hearings

According to data from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, Fort Bend County's inmate population typically includes a mix of approximately 70% pre-trial detainees and 30% sentenced inmates, with the majority being male (approximately 85%).

How To Search for Inmate Records In Fort Bend County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Fort Bend County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently provides multiple options for conducting inmate searches:

Online Inmate Search:

  1. Visit the Fort Bend County Jail Public Information Inquiry portal
  2. Enter the inmate's first and last name, or their inmate ID number if known
  3. Click the "Search" button to retrieve results
  4. Select the inmate's name from the results to view detailed information
  5. Review the available information including charges, bond amounts, and booking date

In-Person Records Request:

  1. Visit the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Records Division
  2. Complete a Public Information Request form
  3. Provide identifying information about the inmate
  4. Present valid government-issued photo identification
  5. Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction

Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1840 Richmond Parkway
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office

Written Request:

  1. Submit a written request via mail or email to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
  2. Include the inmate's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate booking date
  3. Specify the information being requested
  4. Provide contact information for response
  5. Allow 10 business days for processing as required by the Texas Public Information Act

Requests for inmate records are processed in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, which generally requires governmental bodies to respond to information requests within 10 business days.

How To Find an Inmate in Fort Bend County for Free?

Fort Bend County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody:

County Online Inmate Locator:

  1. Access the Fort Bend Jail Inquiry system
  2. Enter the inmate's first and last name in the search fields
  3. No registration or payment is required to use this service
  4. Results will display current inmates matching the search criteria
  5. View basic information including booking date, charges, and bond information

Telephone Inquiry:

  1. Call the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Detention Division at (281) 341-4735
  2. Provide the name of the person you are trying to locate
  3. Request information about their custody status
  4. Be prepared to verify your identity if requesting detailed information
  5. Note that basic custody status information is available by phone

State-Level Resources: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Information Search provides a free online database of state inmates.

Victim Notification System: Crime victims can register with the Texas Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system to receive free automated notifications about changes in an offender's custody status.

These free resources provide basic information about an inmate's location and custody status. More detailed records may require formal requests through the Sheriff's Office Records Division.

How To Visit an Inmate In Fort Bend County

Visitation with inmates in Fort Bend County detention facilities is governed by specific policies established by the Sheriff's Office in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 9, Chapter 291 regarding jail standards.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

  • All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
  • Inmates may submit visitor request forms during their first week of incarceration
  • Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian
  • All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
  • Visitors are subject to security screening before entry

Visit Schedule:

  • Regular visitation hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Professional visits (attorneys, clergy): Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Visit duration: 20 minutes for regular visits
  • Inmates are allowed two visits per week

What to Bring:

  • Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
  • Vehicle keys (all other personal items must remain in vehicle or lockers)
  • Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
  • Legal documents for attorney visits

What NOT to Bring:

  • Cell phones or electronic devices
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Food or beverages
  • Tobacco products
  • Purses, bags, or backpacks
  • Excessive jewelry or accessories
  • Cash exceeding $20

Dress Code:

  • Conservative attire required
  • No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
  • No gang-related colors or symbols
  • No clothing with offensive language or images
  • Shoes and shirts required at all times
  • No hats or head coverings (except religious items)

Visit Types:

  • Regular non-contact visits through glass partitions
  • Video visitation available at designated terminals
  • Special contact visits for certain classifications (with prior approval)
  • Professional visits in designated interview rooms

Visit Restrictions:

  • Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
  • Persons with active warrants or criminal cases pending will be denied
  • Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied
  • Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
  • Three visit rule violations may result in permanent visitation ban

For additional information or to schedule special visits, contact:

Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Visitation Section
1410 Ransom Road
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4665
Fort Bend County Detention Division

How To Send Money to a Fort Bend County Inmate

Fort Bend County provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account:

Online Deposits:

  1. Visit the Fort Bend County Inmate Trust Fund portal
  2. Create an account or log in as a guest
  3. Enter the inmate's name and ID number
  4. Select the deposit amount
  5. Complete payment using credit/debit card
  6. Service fees apply (typically 5-7% of deposit amount)

Kiosk Deposits:

  1. Visit the lobby kiosk at the Fort Bend County Detention Facility
  2. Follow on-screen instructions to locate the inmate
  3. Insert cash or credit/debit card for payment
  4. Obtain and keep receipt for verification
  5. Funds are typically available within 24 hours
  6. Service fees apply for credit/debit transactions

Money Order by Mail:

  1. Purchase a money order payable to "Fort Bend County Inmate Trust Fund"
  2. Write inmate's full name and ID number on money order
  3. Do not send cash, personal checks, or letters with the money order
  4. Mail to:

Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office
Inmate Trust Fund
1410 Ransom Road
Richmond, TX 77469

Amount Limits and Restrictions:

  • Minimum deposit: $1.00
  • Maximum single deposit: $300.00
  • Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
  • Maximum account balance allowed: $1,000.00

Deposit Fees:

  • Online deposits: 5-7% of deposit amount
  • Kiosk credit/debit transactions: $2.95 per transaction
  • Money orders: No fee

Prohibited Uses of Funds:

  • Inmates cannot transfer funds to other inmates
  • Funds cannot be used for bail or bond payments
  • Funds cannot be used for court fees or fines
  • Funds cannot purchase prohibited items

Approved Uses of Funds:

  • Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
  • Phone account funding
  • Medical co-pays
  • Haircuts and other personal services
  • Educational materials

Upon release, remaining funds are returned to the inmate via debit card or check. For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact the Inmate Trust Fund office at (281) 341-4761.

How To Send Jail Mail In Fort Bend County

Correspondence with inmates in Fort Bend County detention facilities must follow specific guidelines established by the Sheriff's Office:

Regular Mail Guidelines:

  1. Address envelopes with complete information: 
    Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
Fort Bend County Detention Facility
1410 Ransom Road
Richmond, TX 77469
  2. Include your complete return address on the envelope
  3. Use standard white envelopes only (maximum size 9"x12")
  4. All mail is opened and inspected before delivery to inmates
  5. Mail without proper addressing will be returned to sender

Permitted Items:

  • Letters on plain white paper
  • Photographs (maximum 4"x6", limit 5 per envelope)
  • Money orders (must be in separate envelope addressed to Inmate Trust Fund)
  • Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
  • Religious materials (subject to security review)
  • Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)

Prohibited Items:

  • Packages or padded envelopes
  • Colored paper or envelopes
  • Stickers, labels, or tape
  • Polaroid photographs
  • Cash or personal checks
  • Stamps or envelopes
  • Crayon or marker writings
  • Perfumed or lipstick-marked items
  • Any items with glitter, glue, or adhesives
  • Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
  • Gang-related materials

Legal Mail: Legal correspondence from attorneys, courts, or government agencies receives special handling:

  1. Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" on the envelope
  2. Must include attorney bar number or official letterhead
  3. Will be opened in the inmate's presence
  4. Contents are inspected for contraband but not read by staff

Publications: Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor:

  1. Must be addressed with inmate's full name and ID number
  2. Hardcover books are not permitted
  3. Subject to content review for security concerns
  4. Limited to 3 books and 5 magazines in possession at one time

All mail is subject to inspection according to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Chapter 291, Rule §291.2 regarding inmate correspondence. For questions about mail policies, contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office at (281) 341-4665.

Lookup Inmate Records in Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County Jail Public Information Inquiry

Fort Bend County Jail Inquiry System

Fort Bend County Detention Booking and Release Information

Texas Department of Criminal Justice Inmate Information Search

Other Categories in Texas
Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records